Lomond has announced a new acquisition just two weeks after that of Oakwood Homes, their first of the year. The latest acquisition sees Lomond acquire Uni2 Rent, one of Nottingham’s leading providers of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
Founded in 2012 by Ed Henderson, whilst he himself was a university student, the company began life as a student living brand with a focus on events, before pivoting into the PBSA market.
Today, Uni2 is one of Nottingham’s independent providers of PBSA, with a strong emphasis on added value through the additional services it offers above and beyond accommodation.
“We’re delighted to have started 2025 on the front foot with our next acquisition coming so swiftly after our first of the year – we certainly have no intention of changing our strategy when it comes to the aggressive expansion plans of the Lomond brand.
“We’ve acquired another high quality business in Uni2 and one that goes above and beyond to deliver real value to its customers.
“In doing so, we’ve considerably strengthened our foothold within the student lettings market whilst also venturing into a new market geographically.”
Ed Phillips, CEO, Lomond
The deal sees Lomond acquire Uni2 and the 1,000 student rooms it currently has under management. Uni2 will be driven forward by Richard Crathorne, Managing Director of John Shepherd – Lomond’s cornerstone brand in the Midlands.
“Uni2 is an incredibly well respected business within the student accommodation sector here in Nottingham. This deal will provide us with an extremely firm foundation, enabling us to further grow within the market and expand on our City Centre Student Living.
Ed and his team have done an outstanding job building a business that is about far more than providing rooms for rent, and we’re excited to see what the future holds now that Uni2 has the full support of John Shepherd Lettings and the wider Lomond business.”
Richard Crathorne, CEO, John Shepherd
The student let market has been an increasing area of focus for Lomond, with the firm first acquiring HOP Students in Yorkshire, swiftly followed by Leeds-based Sugarhouse Properties, both of which took place in 2024.
“Building the Uni2 brand has been my sole focus since I was a university student and I’m incredibly proud of what’s been achieved.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on delivering more than just student accommodation, so when the time came, it was crucial that any deal was with a company that shares the same vision. Selling the business wasn’t an easy decision, but Lomond’s track record and approach to student lettings made this the perfect fit. I’ll be working very closely with Lomond through the transition and know the business is in great hands.
“While there’s plenty of life in me yet and I’m excited for future ventures, my focus for now aside from supporting Lomond through the transitional period, is on building my family home and spending more time with my fiancée and two children.”
Ed Henderson, Founder and MD, Uni2 Rent
